Ardgrain Texts

Fascinating extracts from charters and texts of an Ardgrain centuries ago

As a Feudal Barony, events surrounding Ardgrain were often documented in texts, charters and other important documents.

Many of these Ardgrain texts still exist, but remain hidden within dusty volumes or in private collections. Occasionally when researching the history of Ardgrain we come across interesting snippets of text which offer a glimpse into Ardgrains past. A selection of these are included below.

Ardgrain History

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Judicial Proceedings (1493)

Judicial proceedings: acts of the lords auditors of causes and complaints

22 June 1493 Read more »

Ardgrain History

The Slaughter of Watertown

Not long after constructing Ardgrain, the Kennedies became embroiled in a bitter land dispute, which later became locally known as the slaughter of Watertown.

Clan Rivalry

Thomas Forbes, whose stately mansion with courtyards and stables was built beside the Ythan river to the east of Ellon, was in his middle years, with nine sons and daughters. John Kennedy, the hereditary constable of Aberdeen (this title tied to the Ardgrain site some years earlier) was the latest of a long line of Kennedies of Ellon. Read more »